Tudor Submariner ref. 7928, Gilt 'Underline' Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

The Submariner, namely those produced by Rolex, has long been considered the cream of the crop when it comes to watch collecting as a whole. Possibly the most iconic watch ever produced, the Submariner has long standing utilitarian roots that span decades, and everyone who’s anyone has been spotted wearing one. However, if you look deeper into the Submariner line, you may find a less known but just as incredible model manufactured by Tudor. The Ref. 7928 that we have here dates to circa 1964 and is one of the finest examples that we have seen. The case remains unpolished, touting thick lugs with prominent factory chamfers and crisp edges. The bezel assembly, also unpolished, houses a gently faded 'fat font' insert with a patinated pip. Inside, the black 'gilt' dial is stunning — beautifully-preserved, with excellent silver text, a beautiful chapter ring on the outer edge, and deeply patinated Tritium plots. It comes fitted to a correct 'rivet' Oyster bracelet with a blade clasp. Look a little closer at the bottom half of the dial, and you'll notice a small silver 'underline' just above the 6 o'clock marker. Almost unnoticeable and easy to miss if you are not looking for it, it is widely agreed that this was one of the ways that Rolex denoted that they had transitioned to using Tritium from Radium. Found exclusively on pieces from this era, it has become one of those small details that collectors go crazy for. It would be enough to enjoy this piece on its own, but accompanying this piece is a very cool inner box, guarantee papers, and dealer papers dated 1966. For many of us, this is what vintage is all about: subtle details, fantastic condition, and uniqueness in wear/patina. This one embodies all of the above!